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Honestly, I feel a little guilty about that title. Because lately, I don’t feel much like a writer. But several of the authors on this blog agreed to share their writing routine just so people would know what it’s like to be a writer. And I was one of them.
For me, writing has had to take a backseat in this season of my life. I’ve had several books published in the past and have several works in progress. But real life has overtaken my writing time for the most part and it’s all I can do right now to get a post written for this blog twice a month. I’ve had to tell myself that this is OK. That I will have more time for writing when I’m not caring for elderly parents while still parenting my last child, getting rental houses ready to re-rent, and keeping up with the revolving door of hospitality that my husband and I love to keep open.
To me that’s what writing is: Living life in the moment. Caring for those you love. Sharing God’s rich blessings with others who step into the comfort of our home. Being a blessing by loving others deeply. How is that writing? you ask.
Because to write in a way that’s believable and affects your readers you must live abundantly. Everything that happens in a writer’s life, all the emotions felt (both good and bad), all the sensory details and conversations spoken are fodder for the writer’s mind. They come back as you sit at your keyboard and write—for instance, that scene where a parent must say good-bye to their loved one. You remember the sounds that were around you and the way the room smelled and the sharp crack of your heart breaking. That ache in your throat as you swallowed tears and inhaled roughly trying to keep tears at bay when you were in the store the next day. It all comes from living deep and loving much, sharing what you have, and then releasing it into God’s generous hands.
So even though I don’t have a set time to plop myself down and write every day, or even every week, I’m writing in my mind. I’m remembering, taking notes, storing memories, and taking pictures. I know God will redeem the time I’m spending doing His will in this season of life. And when I do start a regular schedule of writing again, life will come pouring forth on the page, full and vibrant.
And I know I’ll have no regrets for the days I couldn’t write.
